Facilitated Networking

Conference planners are looking for unique ways to encourage attendee engagement at corporate and association events.  I am seeing more interest in the discovery of distinct ways to cultivate the personality of meetings.

When I first started speaking about the power of business relationships the topic was viewed as a "nice to have" on an agenda.  Now having meaningful networking at a conference, trade show, convention, seminar and other gathering is necessary for an event to be considered a top tier conference attendee experience.  Facilitating connections is a "must have" if an event is to reach its full potential.

While everyone wants to people to engage, nobody wants hokey networking games. There is a desire to help foster connections among attendees (and vendors, too), but there is also a pervasive fear of silly ice breakers that alienate part of the crowd and make senior executives to roll their eyes at the activities.

"The Conference Catalyst" program is not a facilitated ice breaker in the traditional sense.  When included as part of an event I set the tone for the audience interaction. The presentation is more than a keynote or a breakout session, but is weaved into the schedule to encourage people to take the initiative to get beyond the idle chit-chat and have more fun getting to know each other.

Here is a link to an article written by a technology journalist who was present at a conference where I served as the Conference Catalyst:

http://www.informationweek.in/blogs/editorsblog/12-11-12/Relationships_matter_but_meet_at_least_once.aspx

He did a great job of telling the story of what can happen when people at an event are open to making real connections.  (If you have an interest in "The Conference Catalyst", please feel free to give me a call so we can discover if it is the right fit for your event).

The atmosphere for networking at a conference does not happen by accident.  Some still believe that an open bar and a good band will help create the bonds that people seek when they participate in the networking events.  But without the understanding that a conference is a "mini-society", too many people fall into bad habits that stifle the desired human-to-human conversations.

Many sit with co-workers the whole time or pass the breaks tapping on their smart phones.  This does not allow the event's culture to blossom.  Introducing a catalyst that transforms traditional networking into something that is experiential is key to having the event become legendary.

There are many ways to facilitate networking without being hokey (you do not need to hire me!)..... but leaving it all to chance is an invitation for the mundane.

Have A Great Day.

thom singer

Thom Singer is known as "The Conference Catalyst". He works with meeting planners and conference organizers to set the tone for a meeting. His presentations educate, inspire and motivate attendees to engage deeper in the event and make meaningful connections. http://www.conferencecatalyst.com 

The ABC's of Trade Shows and Conferences - L is for Listen

A conference, trade show, convention, seminar or other business gathering is a fantastic place to meet new people.  A common reason cited for attending a large scale business-focused event is because of the opportunities to network within the industry.  Most people hope they will meet someone who will become clients, referral sources, or bring future employment options.

However, this is not an environment to try to "sell".  People do not attend these events to be pounced on by vendors or job seekers.  In fact, it is a major complaint by attendees at conferences when they feel that they are being pitched.

It is not appropriate to hard sell at the "networking" stage or a relationship, therefore it is a waste to try to close business at events.  The first time you meet someone you should listen twice as much as you talk.  Instead of being focused on making sure the other person know all about you and your products / services, it is more valuable if you learn about their situation.


Asking questions and listening will allow you to maximize the time you spend meeting new people at business events.  Most people you meet,while nice folks, are not going to become an ongoing part of your network.  That is okay.  The first meeting is an opportunity for you to gain understanding about others and determine if you should follow up at a later time.


Listening is not easy, especially for those who like to talk.  Being a talker is not a bad thing, but you have to learn to balance yourself, give others a chance, and then hear what they are saying.  When you can gain the information about what is important to others you can become a resource for them. I struggle with this, as I often have information I want to share with people, but reminding yourself to listen first is very important.


If you find a legitimate connection point with someone there will be plenty of time for you to tell them about yourself.  People will notice you more when they know you have heard them.


Have A Great Day


thom singer


Thom Singer is known as "The Conference Catalyst". He works with meeting planners and conference organizers to set the tone for a meeting. His presentations educate, inspire and motivate attendees to engage deeper in the event and make meaningful connections. http://www.conferencecatalyst.com

The Conference Catalyst (The Meeting Planners Favorite)

A main reason people attend conferences, trade shows, conventions and other business gatherings is to make connections with industry professionals. However, once at these events they fail to establish meaningful contacts.

The Conference Catalyst Program is designed to transform the traditional meeting into a place where real business opportunities emerge.

Meeting planners know that when people have a better experience at a conference they are more likely to return the next year.



For more information on The Conference Catalsyt, contact Thom Singer at thom (at) thomsinger.com or (512) 970-0398

Have A Great Day

thom singer
(The Conference Catalyst!)

Networking At A Multi-Day Conference (#NSAUN)

Ten Tips For Networking At A Multi-Day Conference – NSA 2011 Winter Conference (The "Un-Conference")

1. Have a plan. Know in advance whom you want to meet (directly or the type of people), and which speakers you want to hear. Do not leave your schedule to chance or you may miss out on things that are your true priority.

2. Bring plenty of business cards. In today’s digital world some argue against the importance of business cards. But having a card is not for you, it is for the other person. Some people forget names quickly and asking for a card helps them recall you later. Telling someone “Google Me” is making them work to keep in touch. Additionally we don’t all use the same technologies, so using BUMP (or another digital tool) assumes we all adopt the same technologies. Not carrying business cards can be selfish, and selfish is so last year!

3. Focus on meeting the other attendees, not just the "Stars". While meeting the top speakers in the industry is cool, you are one of the many who may come up to them and shove a card in their hands. Instead, place your focus on meeting other people in attendance at the event. Find your peers and make them your "stars", as they are the ones you will grow up with in the business.

4. Talk to the people sitting next to you. This should go without saying in a room full of extrovert speakers, but very often people get side-tracked and do not make the effort. When you walk into a general session or break-out seminar, take the time before the presentation begins to say hello to the people seated around you. I call this the "power of hello". Once you have said something as simple as "hello", it will be easier to talk with them later in the conference when see them again.

5. Ask questions of people you meet. Never lead with your "elevator pitch". People are more interested in themselves than they are in you, so ask them questions to help them get to talking first. There is plenty of time to tell them about your business.

6. Put your technology away. Do not run to your iPhone, BlackBerry, or laptop at every break. When you are working on electronics you send the message that you are unapproachable because you are busy. Utilize the time on breaks to converse with others. Look around and smile rather than texting like crazy. The hallway conversations are legendary at NSA, do not miss out because you are tweeting!

7. Do not automatically send a LinkedIn or Facebook request. Too often people immediately send social networking link requests to people they just met. However, different people have different policies about whom they link with. If they believe in only connecting with those whom they have established relationships, you make it awkward if you send them a link too early (which they then ignore). Best is to ask people if they would welcome such a link at this time. Be respectful of the fact that they might use social networking differently than you do. Immediately following them on Twitter is okay, as Twitter does not require a mutual connection acceptance.

8. Read their stuff. Many speakers are active bloggers, tweeters, authors, etc... If people create the written word, seek out their work and read it. It is a great way to get to know people when you read their stuff. They will also be honored when you tell them that you read their blog or follow them on Twitter. The bookstore at the conference will have many books by your fellow speakers. Buy at least one book and then read it! (I plan to buy several).

9. Introduce others. When you meet cool people, be the conduit that connects them with others who might be beneficial to them. This includes others at the conference, as well as people you might know back home. If you ask the right types of questions, you will easily spot connections that can help others. Don't ever worry about "what's in it for me", but instead just be the person who helps others at every turn. You will, over time, develop the reputation as one who assists others .... and then you will find more people will help you, too.

10. Follow up. If you meet interesting people and you never follow up, it makes no difference. Own the follow-up after you meet people and send them an email (or better yet, a handwritten note) telling them how much you enjoyed talking with them, and plan for future discussions. Creating ongoing and meaningful connections with others in the industry will bring you more success.

11. Do more than others expect from you. Bring more to a new relationship than the other person expects and they will always remember you as someone who is a giver. Speakers can always help each other with key introductions, bureau introductions, and other shared connections. Those who give always get more down the line.

Have A Great Day

thom

The ABC's of Trade Shows and Conventions - I is for Introverts

In the world of "introverts" vs. "extroverts" most people think that success in attending business oriented events falls to those who with more outgoing personalities.

"I'm a people person" is the chant those who love the crowds.... and trade shows, conventions, seminars, conferences and other industry gatherings are full of people. The break out sessions, happy hours, dinners, and parties are all geared toward the mix and mingle folks. Alas, most people mistakenly believe those who self-identify as extroverts own the day (and the night) at these types of functions.

But introverts are better networkers.

What?!? Yep... it is true. I know first hand.... as I am an extrovert. But many of my friends self-identify as introverts and they are much better at networking.

The extrovert has to be careful. We can talk over people and dominate conversations. We get going, especially after a glass of wine, and we can talk until we are blue in the face. But that is not networking. Networking is NOT talking about yourself. Networking is NOT selling.

Talking does not do the trick in establishing connections. Listening is the key.

Networking is about establishing long-term mutually beneficial relationships with others. It is discovering an understanding of how to help each other find success. You cannot learn about the other person while you are talking.

Being a great networker is about listening to others and searching your mind for ways to connect the dots to lead them closer to their hopes and dreams. Of course you desire they will do the same for you... but it is not about keeping score. The best networkers (regardless of if they are introverts or extroverts) find their success in helping others succeed.

Introverts are better at listening, and thus when they are engaged in the real process of establishing a relationship, they will always find more success. You cannot really serve others unless you know what they need.

Too many networking experts teach people to memorize an "Elevator Pitch", but this effort trains people to be self-focused when they meet someone for the first time. While knowing how to clearly express information about yourself is important, it should not shadow your real interest in the other person. Instead of committing brain cells to information about yourself (you should already know this information), prioritize memorization on a list of open-ended questions that gets the other person to talk.

If you can remember five questions that gets them to describe themselves and their goals they will appreciate you more than if you launch into some pre-fabricated "pitch". After a few minutes most people will then turn it around and ask you similar questions.

Additionally, most introverts tell me once they know people (even just a little bit), it is easier to open up and share about themselves. Thus asking questions and listening will put you at ease for the rest of the conversation.

If you are an extrovert, moderating how much you talk vs. how much you listen is important. (those who know me, know I have to work at this.... and that is okay.... we all have stuff we work on to improve ourselves!). It can be hard, but you benefit more when you find the right balance.

If you are an introvert, seize the day and claim your rightful place at the top of the networking event!

Have A Great Day.

thom

Thom Singer is known as "The Conference Catalyst". He works with meeting planners and conference organizers to set the tone for a meeting. His presentations educate, inspire and motivate attendees to engage deeper in the event and make meaningful connections. http://www.conferencecatalyst.com

The ABC's of Trade Shows and Conferences - H is for Hello

It sounds simple, but once you have said "Hello" to someone, and they have reciprocated, you now have the right to chit-chat. Starting a conversation with a stranger is the first step to discovering if there is a path to a deeper relationship.

Most people who go to conferences, trade shows, conventions, seminars and other professional gatherings are there to make connections with others. Across all industry lines people cite "networking opportunities" as a primary reason for attending these events, however once they arrive... they stink at making any meaningful connections.

Help others meet you by being the one who initiates a conversation. Be approachable and smile at people. Once you have the chance, say "Hello", do so with a sincere interest in finding out more about the other person.

You will discover when at a multi-day event that the people you speak to early on will cross your path repetitively over the course of the ensuing days. These people will be in line for food, at a nearby Starbucks, and getting on or off the elevator. The first conversations you have with others once you arrive could create the groundwork for most of your social interactions at the event.

I call it "The Power of Hello". You will not have a strong connection with everyone you meet, but the more people you talk with, the higher the chance of encountering one or more with whom you will find common ground.

If you are shy, push yourself just a little to talk to three new people at each break, happy hour, or meal. Hiding in the corner will keep you from finding those "networking opportunities", and deprive others from knowing you. Remember, you might be the person who can help others succeed. It is not just about you finding links to future success, you could provide a conduit to others.

It all starts with "Hello"

Have A Great Day.

thom singer


Thom Singer is known as "The Conference Catalyst". He works with meeting planners and conference organizers to set the tone for a meeting. His presentations educate, inspire and motivate attendees to engage deeper in the event and make meaningful connections. http://www.conferencecatalyst.com

The ABC's of Trade Shows and Conferences - G is for Goals

Goal setting is important for any area of your life where you want to achieve success. Not knowing what success looks like means you will miss many victories. Too many people drift through their days hoping to make gains, but have nearly no points of reference on which to measure the progress.

This is true for those going to industry event, trade shows, conferences, conventions, seminars, and other business gatherings. Before you commit to attending any type of gathering you should know in advance the purpose of your participation.

There are many reasons why you might find yourself at a business event. Networking opportunities, educational sessions, seeking to spot new trends, face-time with clients / prospects, looking for a new job, etc... Any reason for attending is a good reason, and none have to be mutually exclusive of the others. However, if you have not clarified your goals, and committed them to paper, then you will not maximize the conference.

A goal not written down is simply a wish. All successful professionals will tell you that "wishing" is not a good business strategy. You need to know what you want in advance so that you can take the action steps toward success.

If you are attending a conference with co-workers or other colleagues you should have a pre-conference meeting to talk about the outcomes that you all desire. You can divide up the schedule and cover more ground separately. Then you can meet up and share what you have learned and information about whom you have met. If you have different goals, make sure that everyone from your team are looking beyond their own needs at the event.

Throughout your time at the convention revisit your goals to see how you are doing. If necessary you can change your focus, as once you arrive you might discover new opportunities that are more important of your attention.

After you return home you should review your original goals and determine if you were successful. If not, determine if it was because of you or due to some factors beyond your control.

When you are clear about the success of an event if will make your decision easy on if you should return to the same event the next year.

Have A Great Day.

thom singer

Thom Singer is known as "The Conference Catalyst". He works with meeting planners and conference organizers to set the tone for a meeting. His presentations educate, inspire and motivate attendees to engage deeper in the event and make meaningful connections. http://www.conferencecatalyst.com

The ABC's of Trade Shows and Conferences - F is for Follow-Up

We all meet amazing people everyday. It does not matter if you are attending a convention, sitting on an airplane, or walking down the street.... there are interesting souls all around you.

But so what?

Meeting someone and having a short conversation does not make them part of your network. They are not even an acquaintance.... instead they are simply someone you have met. We must put in effort to establish the foundation for real connections.

There is a big difference between trading business cards and having an ongoing, long-term and mutually-beneficial relationship.

It is similar to dating. If you are married you most likely did not propose a committed life together the night you met your significant other. It took time to cultivate understanding and respect for each other. There was an intentional effort to get the relationship launched. Over time it grew into a permanent connection, but at first it is volatile and needed specific action steps. The same thing is true with the people you meet when attending a trade show, conference, convention, seminar or other business event.

You cannot assume that the other person will remember you once they get home if you are not memorable.

Out of sight is out of mind. If you do not take the steps to follow-up with people you will end up with nothing more than an old business card or a useless LinkedIn link where years later you have no clue who the other person might be or how you met.

You must "own the follow-up" if you want to create the benefits that come from knowing other people.

Not everyone you meet will become your friend. Strong connections will come with some, but you cannot force a friendship. But leaving it to chance is a guarantee that you will end up with nothing.

Following up means finding a legitimate reason to get yourself connected to the other person. At many of these events you will meet dozens of cool folks, but following up with all of them can be overwhelming... and thus you might do nothing.

After you get home from the event you should select three to five people who stood out in your mind. Write them a note, send them an email or place a call and tell them that they were one of the few who stood out from the crowd. It will make them feel good (how would you feel if someone called you and said the same thing? No, it is not creepy), and if you make them feel good, they will remember you a little longer.

Do not stalk people, if they are not responsive to you, move on to someone else. Not everyone will want to invest the time in you to establish and cultivate a connection. That is okay. Focus on the people who are interested in knowing you, too.

Have A Great Day.

thom singer

Thom Singer is known as "The Conference Catalyst". He works with meeting planners and conference organizers to set the tone for a meeting. His presentations educate, inspire and motivate attendees to engage deeper in the event and make meaningful connections. http://www.conferencecatalyst.com

The ABC's of Trade Shows and Conferences - E is for Energy

Attending a multi-day business event can be a lot of work. Many people who do not regularly attend trade shows, conferences, seminars, and conventions often think these are giant parties, but the reality is your participation can be daunting.

It takes energy to be "on" for several days while attending a conference. To maximize the investment of time and money in going to these events you must plan ahead for everything. This includes monitoring your energy levels.

In addition to the busy schedule of the conference, you also must deal with the hassles of air travel, delays, ground transportation, hotels, etc... This can be a recipe for exhaustion.

Some people are at their best in crowded environments and thrive with a jam-packed schedule. But even the most excited and pumped up extroverts needs some rest to be at their peak levels.

Others have their energy sapped in by the being in big groups and having to rush to keep up with the schedule of keynote, breakouts, happy hours, trade shows, etc....

In either case you must plan ahead to make sure that you get enough rest and the correct amount of "down-time" that you need to stay fresh and focused.

I attended a multi-day conference with a colleague and our different styles were evident. I was able to attend all the programs from morning to night and then hit the bar after hours. I needed a "power nap" in the middle of the day, but my own flow worked with well with the face-paced event. She needed more sleep and some time alone to be herself over the three days.

Neither was right or wrong, but it was important that we were both true to our own personality styles. I like meeting new people and my energy goes up in social situations. She also likes to be around people, but found herself tired at the end of each day. To succeed at the conference she had to find her self more quiet time to recharge.

It is important thing is to know yourself and let you co-workers (an others you will be with) know your social plans in advance. Often people do not understand and recognize that we all need to be true to our own needs or we will get wiped out and mentally crash before the conference ends.

If you do not plan for your "energy" you will not be able to get the most out of participating in the event.

Have A Great Day.

thom singer

The ABC's of Trade Shows and Conferences - D is for Drinking

D is for Drinking

It should go without saying that drinking too much is a bad idea when in a professional situation (any situation, really!). Many of us have been at business focused events where we have seen people get drunk and make a spectacle of themselves. Don't be that person. This will always harm your reputation, and possibly damage the reputation of your company.

Attending trade shows, conferences, conventions, seminars and other events often have social components that will involve food and drinks. These festivities present fabulous opportunities to meet people and have meaningful conversations. Human beings are social creatures, and when we can share experiences with each other, we forge bonds.

But these parties are not a free pass to gluttony! Do not try to take all the free food and drink that you can get in one setting, as people will notice (stacking your plate with 40 pieces of shrimp can be just as bad for your reputation as getting drunk!)

Not everyone drinks alcohol, nor should they. Some people avoid it for religious reasons, others for health purposes, some do not like the way they feel after a drink, and many people have issues with addiction. While I would NEVER suggest you put yourself in situations where the temptation is too great, remember that "drinking" is not the purpose of attending the social aspects of a conference. (If you have legitimate reasons why to stay away, then stay away, but don't make up excuses).

Some of the best networking will happen at happy hour, after hours in the hotel bar, or at vendor-sponsored off-sight parties. You do not have to drink booze to partake in these gatherings. The power of social interaction will be different at each event, but you should participate whenever possible to make sure that you are connecting in these comfortable and informal settings. This allows you to get to know others in a more personal way.

If you self-identify as an introvert, remember that "introverts are BETTER networkers" (See "I is for Introverts" - coming soon!).

While you should avoid drinking too much, you also probably want to avoid the people who are too tipsy. Do not put up with rude behavior for the sake of networking, and never remain in any situation where you do not feel comfortable or safe. All kinds of things happen in the world, so be aware of the dark side when participating in any activity.

Fortunately the obnoxious folks are the exception, not the rule. Most business professionals know how behave in a social situation, and having conversations is an important part to establishing real relationships.

The social aspects of a trade show or convention can be the conduit to making strong business connections that can, and will, provide you with the return on your investment for attending the event. You have to participate to maximize your conference.

Have A Great Day.

thom singer

Thom Singer is known as "The Conference Catalyst". He works with meeting planners and conference organizers to set the tone for a meeting. His presentations educate, inspire and motivate attendees to engage deeper in the event and make meaningful connections. http://www.conferencecatalyst.com

The ABC's of Trade Shows and Conferences - C is for Catalyst

C is for Catalyst

Business events can appear to be the same old thing. Different cities, different hotel ball room, but otherwise too similar.

When you experience a spectacular and unique conference, trade show, convention, seminar or other gathering you remember it for a long, long time. Meeting planners and conference organizers all strive to make a lasting impression on attendees, as that means they will come back again, and bring their friends and co-workers. The future of meetings depends on more than more of the same.

In my role as "The Conference Catalyst" I have seen how events can be transformed from routine into meaningful gatherings that have real impact. This often has to do with how engaged the people are in all aspects of the gathering, and how the human engagement creates an atmosphere commonly understood objectives. When everyone is in the same "zone", you can feel the energy.

If the meeting you are attending has not hired a "Chief Engagement Officer" or "Conference Catalyst", that does not mean that the vibe has to be stale. Anyone can be the catalyst that ignites the spark and sets the tone for even just a few people. Buzz from a small group can bleed into the whole conference society.

When you are attending a convention, look for ways to influence the success of other people. Ask them what they need to happen and then actively connect the dots to allow them to find what they seek. Some people want specific learning, others want to network, and some only want to have fun. Their purpose does not matter, what makes a difference is you taking charge to embrace their needs from the event, not just your own.

Anyone can be a catalyst for the greater good. When everyone waits for the event to engage them, they all can wait a long time. Be the person who takes charge and creates positive energy at business events.

Remember, it takes only one leader to influence a sea of followers.

Have A Great Day.

thom

Thom Singer is known as "The Conference Catalyst". He works with meeting planners and conference organizers to set the tone for a meeting. His presentations educate, inspire and motivate attendees to engage deeper in the event and make meaningful connections. http://www.conferencecatalyst.com

The ABC's of Trade Shows and Conferences - B is for Business Cards

B is for Business Cards

When you are preparing to attend a business event, especially an out-of-town conference, be sure to plan ahead to bring enough business cards. When you are actively engaged at an professional gathering you will have the opportunity to meet many people with whom you could build a long-term mutually beneficial relationship. Having cards is paramount to real networking success.

Meeting someone at any gathering does NOT make them part of your network, it makes them someone you have met. One encounter is useless without follow-up. Your business card could be the best vehicle to be remembered once they return home to their busy life.

In our fast-changing high-tech world some people argue that the business card is "old school". They claim that people do not need to exchange contact information when it is all available online. I had a person tell me that they did not carry cards, but I was welcome to "Google" them later to get in touch. First, that attitude puts the responsibility and work for the other person. Having a card make their life earlier. You do not carry cards for yourself, you carry them as a courtesy for the people you encounter. Plus, this person had a last name I would not be able to spell (much less remember) two days later. I was confident that this was a relationship that could be beneficial to us both, but the exchange left me feeling it would be too much work. I never followed up.

Other people say they use technologies like "Bump" or other phone applications to capture information. This is arrogant, as it assumes that all other people use the same tools, and store contact information in their phone. I have an iPhone, but I do not think it fair to assume the people I meet would have the same phone. Additionally I do not want every stranger I meet to be listed in my phone, so a "Bump" is a horrible option as a way to trade contact info upon a first meeting.

The business card also allows you to easily ask for their information and exit a conversation without being rude. The card trade is an acceptable end to networking "chit chat", and if you do not have one, you might be stuck in a conversation longer than you desire.

You may appear unprepared ("Oops, I forgot to bring cards"), as a first impression if you do not have cards available when asked. At a busy and crowded event there are lots of people to meet and nobody can follow up with everyone. Forget cards and you might be forgotten.

While the business card may become obsolete one day, it is still an accepted and expected business tool in today's business world. They are a must for anyone who is attending a trade show, convention, conference, seminar or other professional gathering.

Have A Great Day.

thom singer


Thom Singer is known as "The Conference Catalyst". He works with meeting planners and conference organizers to set the tone for a meeting. His presentations educate, inspire and motivate attendees to engage deeper in the event and make meaningful connections. http://www.conferencecatalyst.com

The ABC's of Trade Shows and Conferences - A is for Advance

A Is for Advance

Long before you arrive at a trade show, convention, conference or seminar you should create a game plan for how your will maximize your investment of time and money in the event. Too many people show up at these multi-day events without having given any thought about how to best utilize their time.

When you "wing it", you fail.

All business gatherings you attend should bring you a mix of learning and networking opportunities. Most meeting organizers publish their agendas weeks (or months) in advance, and work hard to promote the keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and other events. Study the agenda and make decisions in advance as to what is the most important parts of the schedule to allow you to reach your pre-determined objective outcomes.

Do not just look at the educational part of the event, but also the social aspects. One of the main reasons people attend business gatherings is to meet other influential people in their industry. However most never seem to make any long-lasting meaningful connections at conferences. If "networking opportunities" are important to you (and they should be), then you must make them a priority, too.

Start early to discover who will be at the events you will be attending. Join the online social media communities that the organizers have established on Facebook, LinkedIn, and other locations. Discover if the event has a pre-determined Twitter "hashtag" and begin following the discussions about the event. Learn about the other attendees by reading their online profiles and following them in social media communities (where appropriate).

It has become very common for conference organizers to offer pre-event webinars, videos, white papers, etc... Take advantage of these valuable tools that will allow you to prepare for the whole event and be on the same page with other attendees.

When you research and identify interesting people who will be present at the physical event reach out to them in advance and let them know that you will be there, too, and that you look forward to meeting them face-to-face.

Contact vendors, clients, prospects and other and agree to a time to meet. Leaving it to chance with a "I hope to see you there" might mean you will never connect. Arrange to get together for happy-hour meet ups or agree to sit together at meals, and then follow up to confirm you appointment.

Having clear focus on how to spend you time, and a list of people you want to meet will help you succeed in maximizing your attendance at a conference.

One reminder: Do not make your plan so rigid that you are not open to spontaneous meet ups or changing your break out attendance when a new opportunity arrives.

Have A Great Day.

thom

Thom Singer is known as "The Conference Catalyst". He works with meeting planners and conference organizers to set the tone for a meeting. His presentations educate, inspire and motivate attendees to engage deeper in the event and make meaningful connections. http://www.conferencecatalyst.com

Planning For A Successful Trade Show (for Vendors)

If your company is investing time and money to sponsor a trade show, convention or other industry event, why would you not want to educate your team on how to maximize the ROI on participating in the show?

I witness companies spend tens of thousands of dollars on the sponsorship fees, travel, booth design, handouts, logoed items, shipping, and time away from the office...... and then invest nothing on creating a platform of understanding of how to enhance their conference participation.

A little planning in can insure that your company benefits from being a sponsor and an active member of the convention's mini-society.



If you can't see the video... here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=007QIfIqLwg

Hire Thom Singer, "The Conference Networking Catalyst" to work with your team to help them get the most from their time at the multi-day conference.

Have A Great Day

thom

Find A Speaker In Austin, Texas (and Beyond)

Many people who are planning business meetings have never before had to find, vet, negotiate with, and hire a speaker for an event. They inherited the task from a boss who expects his or her audience to be "wowed" by an experienced presenter, but has delegated the responsibility. These accidental meeting planners often have no idea where to start in finding someone for their keynote address or breakout training sessions.

Regardless of their event being in a conference room at their office, or at a big convention center (or hotel) in a foreign city, they need to find the right person to set the tone for their meeting. Finding the right speaker is important to the success of any corporate event. Conventions, Conferences, Trade Shows, Sales Meeting, Annual Forecasts, Sales Training, etc... all require people who can inspire the audience.

I speak nationally and internationally, but often get calls from companies and organizations having meetings in my hometown of Austin, Texas. I know Austin. I like Austin. And if you are planning a meeting in the Texas Capital I want to be your speaker! Give me a call at (512) 970-0398. In additional to the speech I can also help point you toward great restaurants, party venues, activities, local meeting planners, etc...

If we determine that I am not the right person to speak at your event, I will help you find someone ideal for your audience. I know hundreds of speakers in Texas and around the world. Through my connections with NYP Speakers, The National Speakers Association, or my network of professional contacts, I want to assist in helping you find a professional speaker who will "WOW" the crowd.

If your meeting is someplace else.... I still want to be your speaker!!! -- but the below video talks directly to those having meetings in Austin.



If you do not see the video... here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVhxi2YbrHU

Have A Great Day

thom

Maximize Your Conference (Part 10 of 10) - "Know Before You Go"

Before you commit to attending an industry conference (or sending a group of employees) you must know what you want to accomplish with the necessary investment of time and money. Very often people look at the registration cost as the investment, but forget the travel, lodging, food and drink costs that also add up very fast at a multi-day event. Attending for the sake of "being there" will leave you will less money and no tangible return on investment.

What do you want to learn? The best events offer many concurrent educational sessions and other opportunities to gain knowledge. Closely review the daily schedule and list of trade show vendors to assess what information will be available to you.

Make sure that everyone on your team knows the priorities of the desired learning experience so that they are sure to show up at the keynotes and break-out sessions. The reality is that once people get to the event, stay up late and drink too much, feel the pull of email, texts, conference calls, etc... and it becomes easy to skip out on the meat of the conference.

Tolerate no excuses from yourself or others for not heavily participating in the scheduled events, as you can play on your iPhone, check email, make calls and sit with co-workers back at the office without having to spend the money involved with attending a convention.

Who do you want to meet? Industry events are ripe for networking opportunities, but if left to chance you can miss out on making the types of connections that will lead to real business in the long run. Many people are not good at spontaneous networking, thus it is in your best interest to pre-set meetings with those who you know will be at the convention that you would like to meet or get to know better.

Make people your priority, not your electronic gadgets. Do not sit in sessions and punch away at your SmartPhone. You are always being watched. When you are tuned out from the speaker and wildly texting, you are sending a message to everyone in the room that you are not part of the group. You are all there together, and if you are focused elsewhere you show that you are not part of the team. A conference is a mini-society, and if you choose to be disengaged you will not be approachable.

Attend all the social events and coffee breaks. Too many people use this time to check in with the office, but they miss the chance to meet people. If the conference is worth attending then the other people in attendance are worth knowing. Seek out other people and have meaningful conversations. Ask questions of them, as when they first meet you people are more interested in talking about themselves than hearing about your and your business. You will get your turn to talk.

Meet the vendors. The sponsors and those with trade show booths can always be a valuable resource. Know which of your vendors, competitors, and others will be at the show and seek them out. Also, find you vendors competitors. Even if you are happy with their services it is in your best interest to have a "back up plan" just in case the relationship chances or they go out of business. Be clear with potential vendors whom you do not want calling you all the time that you would like to know them, but do not want to be chased like a rabbit from a hungry wolf. Smart salespeople will work with you to be the "on deck" vendor without being too pushy.

The more vendors you know who serve your industry the more information you will gain over the long run about market trends and the actions of your competition. I have never understood why people avoid vendors, as they are often the best source of knowledge.

When you have a plan about how to best use your time at a convention you will see much better results than if you just "wing it". A pre-convention discussion with the key members of your team (those attending and those who will not be attending) about the goals for the event will ensure you will have maximized your conference long before you arrive.

Have A Great Day

Thom Singer is known as "The Conference Networking Catalyst". He regularly speaks at industry conventions and trade shows where he inspires the audience (and vendors) to maximize their participation at the event. One of the top reasons people attend business conferences is for the "Networking Opportunities", and yet once there they fail to create connections that will have any meaningful impact on their career. Thom sets the tone for the culture of the conference which becomes the foundation for a more meaningful set of interactions.

Maximize Your Conference (Part 9 of 10) - "Be A Connector"

Maximize Your Conference (Part 9 of 10)

Be A Connector
By Thom Singer

When you attend an industry conference it is easy to forget that you and the other attendees are all on equal footing. Often people feel they are on the outside of some super-secret "industry clique" and mistakenly believe that everyone else already knows each other. You are never an outsider at an event, as the society and culture of most multi-day conferences are open to everyone who takes initiative.

(There are exceptions to this. I once belonged to a national association where a "power clique" ran the convention and other parts of the organization. This association was prosperous, but their repeat attendance numbers were always lower than expected because it was well known to members that the "insiders" who controlled the strings were self-serving jerks. If your industry association is dominated by some fools, there are ways to reclaim the reigns).

The reality is that most people who go to a convention do not know many other people in the room. Some know nobody. Thus, if someone is not naturally comfortable interacting with strangers, they will often withdraw from meeting and mingling.

One of the main reasons people attend a conference is for the "networking opportunities", When they do not network, they are setting themselves up to fail in their objectives.

Taking action and becoming a connector will allow you to have a stronger experience at the event. When you meet new people, ask them questions about who they would like to know at the conference. If you have a keen ear, you will quickly start to interact with people who be introduced. When you make a successful connection, you will be a superstar in the eyes of both people.

Knowing "who should meet whom" is not enough. You must take the next step and introduce them to each other. This is hard for many people. They want to do it, but they over-think the process and rationalize why they should not make the connection. Remember that people want to meet others and that some are just not good at taking the first step. Helping them reach their goal should be empowering!

A bigger mistake than doing nothing is blindly introducing people for no reason. They read the advice of being a connector and drag strangers around to meet others without having put any strategic thought into why they are making introductions. A real connector never wastes time or resources.

Being a connector is not throwing spaghetti against a wall to see what sticks. You have to establish an understanding of the people you meet and know what they want and need. Once you do this, the rest becomes easy.

Another way to be a connector is to be the person who organizes an off-schedule get-together. This could be a pre-planned dinner or party... or just a few cool people grabbing lunch or dinner together when the program has nothing planned.

This can even be done during a scheduled meal, too. You can tell a group of people whom you met that you will get to the dining room early and save a table. Be sure to get their cell phone numbers so that you can text them your location in the room so they can find you easily. People are awkward about where to sit, how to talk to stranger, etc.... Or they sit with co-workers, which wastes their conference experience. By pulling together a table you make it easy for everyone else to meet new people. You will be remembered for this effort and it will help you establish your own connections.

Always be a connector (at the conference and everywhere you go), as those who serve others in this manner never seem to be lacking in opportunities!

Have A Great Day.

thom

Thom Singer is known as "The Conference Networking Catalyst". He regularly speaks at industry conventions and trade shows where he inspires the audience (and vendors) to maximize their participation at the event. One of the top reasons people attend business conferences is for the "Networking Opportunities", and yet once there they fail to create connections that will have any meaningful impact on their career. Thom sets the tone for the culture of the conference which becomes the foundation for a more meaningful set of interactions.